2009 ACC Football Unit Rankings: Running Backs

From ACCBlitz.com

With the 2009 Quarterback Rankings behind me, time to shift focus to the backfield. The Top 3 should be no surprise, but I mixed up the next few slots. There are few teams in the league that simply are not getting the respect they deserve (and fans of those teams, you can send me thank you e-mails (although I prefer a 6-pack)). Enjoy.

- Harlon Jordan
ACC Blitz

#1 - Georgia Tech

Jonathan Dwyer
2008 : 200 - 1395 Yards - 12 TD - 7.0 AVG - 107.3 YDSPG
vs ACC: 134 - 904 Yards - 7 TD - 6.8 AVG - 113.0 YDSPG

The 2008 season was a special one for Dwyer. He garnered ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and earned First Team All-ACC honors. He shined in the first season of Paul Johnson's option offense, running for almost 1,400 Yards while scoring 12 TD’s. Set a school record for longest run with an 88 yarder against Mississippi State. Led the ACC in Rushing Yards per game (107.3), Yards per carry (7.0), second in rushing TD’s (12), and second in Scoring (TD’s) per game (6.2 Points). If Johnson decides to actually pass a little more in ‘09, you could see Dwyer's numbers get even better.

Roddy Jones
2008 : 81 - 690 Yards - 4 TD - 8.5 AVG - 53.0 YDSPG
Torched rival Georgia for 214 Yards on just 13 carries (school record 16.5 Yards per Carry). Otherwise stayed quiet but consistent in ‘08, playing a third-string type of role behind Dwyer and running QB Josh Nesbitt.

#2 - Virginia Tech

Darren Evans
2008 : 287 - 1265 Yards - 11 TD - 4.4 AVG - 90.4 YDSPG
vs ACC: 163 - 738 Yards - 3 TD - 5.3 AVG - 92.3 YDSPG

Evans broke out as a true freshman in ‘08. Had a season-high 253 Yards in a 23-13 win versus Maryland, and was the first VT player to score a TD in his first six games of career. Was also the first VT freshman to rush for 1,000 yards, and set a school record for TD’s by a freshman. Finished with 1,265 yards which was the highest ever for an ACC Freshman RB. Earned 2nd Team All-ACC honors as well as 2nd Team Freshman All-America mention.

Kenny Lewis
2008 : 64 - 237 Yards - 3 TD - 3.7 AVG - 40.2 YDSPG

Lewis only saw 64 carries due to an injury suffered in Week Six, but given a healthy ‘09 season, should provide solid backup reps when Evans needs a break.

EDIT: For you VTech fans - somehow, someway I completely overlooked Ryan Williams, who in all likely hood will actually be the #2 back in '09. My apologies.

#3 - Clemson

C.J. Spiller
2008 : 116 - 668 Yards - 7 TD - 5.4 AVG - 52.4 YDSPG
vs ACC: 71- 379 Yards - 4 TD - 5.3 AVG - 54.1 YDSPG

Probably the most electrifying player in the nation, Spiller has the ability to turn the game and pull off Playstation-type moves in a flash (lightning-hence the nickname). Didn’t get to fully establish himself in the running game with James Davis being the No. 1 back. To his credit, shined as a receiver out of the backfield and magician on kick returns. Missed Georgia Tech game after suffering injury, but bounced back receiving for over 100 Yards in two of the next three games.
Finished No. 1 in ACC in all-purpose yards per game (147.5), and second in both
Punt and Kick Returning.

Jaime Harper
2008 : 34 - 133 - 1 TD - 3.9 AVG - 13.3 YDSPG
Saw very little playing time with the combo of Davis and Spiller. With J.D. gone to the NFL, he should be a premiere No. 2 back with Andre Ellington right behind. Don’t be surprised if Ellington rises up to push Harper.

#4 - Maryland

Da’Rel Scott
2008 : 209 - 1133 Yards - 8 TD - 5.4 AVG - 94.4 YDSPG
vs ACC: 139 - 552 Yards - 3 TD - 3.9 AVG - 69.0 YDSPG

Scott was a nice surprise for Terps fans, earning first team All-ACC honors in ‘08 and finishing second in the ACC in Yards Per Game. Totaled five 100-Yard Games, and his 1,133 yards was the seventh-highest total in school history. Scott was an all-around threat, finishing fifth in the ACC in all-purpose yards per game (108.7). Not really sure why this guy isn’t higher on peoples preseason lists.

Davin Maggett
2008 : 89 - 457 Yards - 4 TD - 5.1 AVG - 35.2 YDSPG

Led all ACC freshmen RB’s in Yards per Rush (5.1) and emerged as one of the top freshmen in the ACC. Should help provide a solid combo with Scott in 2009.

#5 - North Carolina

Shaun Draughn
2008 : 198 - 866 Yards - 3 TD - 4.4 AVG - 66.6 YDSPG
vs ACC: 130 - 527 Yards - 1 TD - 4.1 AVG - 65.9 YDSPG

The safety turned RB surprised a lot of people in 2008, finishing sixth in rushing at almost 67 yards per contest. Averaged a modest 4.4 Yards per carry, providing a solid option on 1st down. Named the starter for the 2009 season, and has the potential to eclipse 1,000 yards this season and contend for All-Acc team honors with an improved line.

Ryan Houston
2008 : 77 - 299 Yards - 8 TD - 3.9 AVG - 24.9 YDSPG
Used mostly in short-yardage situations,the bruising back ed UNC in TD’s with 8. Worked in the offseason to improve speed and agility. Combined with size/strength, should improve on ’08 numbers and give the Tar Heels a formidable 1-2 punch.

#6 - Miami

Graig Cooper
2008 : 171 - 841 Yards - 4 TD - 4.9 AVG - 64.7 YDSPG
vs ACC: 101 - 507 Yards - 0 TD - 5.0 AVG - 63.4 YDSPG

Cooper finished a rather impressive ‘08 season, finishing seventh in rushing at 64.7 Yards per Game. Even more impressive was his average of nearly five yards a carry. He has upped the bar, setting a personal goal to hit 1,000 yards in ‘09 and with an improved offensive line and security in the QB position, he is likely to do so. Had a season-high 131 Yards at Virginia, part of three 100-Yard games on the year.

Javarris James
2008 : 68 - 286 Yards - 4 TD - 4.2 AVG - 31.8 YDSPG
Managed 4.2 Yards Per Carry, and tied for the team lead with four Rushing TD’s despite only seeing action in nine games and getting only 68 carries (averaged over four Yards a carry). Seems to be more of a shorter yardage back, but did show flashes of speed.

#7-- Boston College

Montel Harris
2008 : 179 - 900 Yards - 5 TD - 5.0 AVG - 69.2 YDSPG
vs ACC: 101 - 423 Yards - 2 TD - 4.2 AVG - 52.3 YDSPG

Harris blew onto the scene as a freshman in 2008. Set a BC freshman record in rushing yards (900), and a new BC freshman record with five 100-Yard games. Was also third in the country among freshmen in Yards per Game (69.2) and was fifth in the ACC. Harris led BC in all-purpose yards and finished third in the league at 113.8 per game.

Josh Haden
2008 : 120- 479 Yards - 1 TD - 4.0 AVG - 36.8 YDSPG
Haden formed part-B of the nations' second-best RB duo last year. A perfect compliment to Harris, Haden has the ability to take it the distance when he manages to get his touches. Enough of a talent to be the starter at a few ACC schools.

#8 - Wake Forest

Brandon Pendergrass
2008 : 150 - 528 Yards - 5 TD - 3.5 AVG - 44.0 YDSPG
vs ACC: 111 - 381 Yards - 2 TD - 3.4 AVG - 47.6 YDSPG

Pendergrass stepped up and provided enough of a run presence to allow QB Riley Skinner to do his thing. More of a physical runner, he is better suited in short yardage roles. Deacon fans can only hope Josh Adams steps up as the ’speedster’; if so, they’ll have quite the combo in the backfield.

Josh Adams
2008 : 122 - 402 Yards - 4 TD - 3.3 AVG - 36.5 YDSPG
Injury-plagued ‘08 season. Got off to a slow start after knee surgery in June of ‘08, and also missed two games after suffering a sprained ankle. Packed with talent, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Adams establish himself as the premiere back for Wake this year.

#9 - N.C. State

Jamelle Eugene
2008 : 95 - 442 Yards - 2 TD - 4.7 AVG - 44.2 YDSPG
vs ACC: 70 - 380 Yards - 0 TD - 5.4 AVG - 54.3 YDSPG

Eugene will carry the weight of the Wolfpack running game on his shoulders in ‘09. Coach O’Brien will probably tell QB Russell Wilson to lay off the running, so a decent ground game needs to be established to free up the passing. Eugene should get the job done. Posted decent numbers after missing the first three games of the ‘08 season. Standout stat: Rushed for 380 yards against ACC teams and averaged 5.4 yards a carry in those contests.

Brandon Barnes
2008 : N/A
No experience in collegiate play. Ranked No.8 high-school athlete in the nation in 2008.

#10 - Florida State

Jermaine Thomas
2008 : 69 - 482 Yards - 3 TD - 7.0 AVG - 40.2 YDSPG
vs ACC: 31 - 279 Yards - 0 TD - 9.0 AVG - 39.6 YDSPG

Thomas posted the sixth-most yardage ever by a freshman RB at FSU, and also tied the best freshman debut by rushing for 91 Yards in season opener against Western Carolina. Averaged an amazing 7.0 Yards per Carry, and even more impressive 9.0 YDSPC in ACC play. With Antone Smith gone, Thomas should get his chance to shine. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him almost double his ‘08 stats; the talent is definitely there and with a revamped FSU line, he should get his opportunities.

Carlton “Ty” Jones
2008 : 11 - 99 Yards - 1 TD - 9.0 AVG - 24.8 YDSPG
Jones only saw action in four games due to an ankle injury. If all is well health-wise, it should be an interesting season. From what brief flashes I saw in the bowl game versus Wisconsin, I’ll admit I was impressed.

#11 - Duke

Re’quan Boyette
2008 : N/A

After missing the entire ‘08 season, Boyette should rise to the top and regain his status as starter at RB. Super talented with great running ability in and out of the tackles. Adds an extra dimension to a Duke offense that’s on the rise.

Jay Hollingsworth
2008 : 108 - 399 Yards - 1 TD - 3.7 AVG - 33.2 YDSPG
vs ACC: 69 - 265 Yards - 1 TD - 3.8 AVG - 33.1 YDSPG

After losing Boyette last year, several different RB’s gave it their best, with Hollingsworth leading the way for the second-worst running game in the league. While he did show flashes of steadiness, getting a better jump on the ball is crucial to pick up that extra yard or so per carry. The health and depth of the line will be a factor as well.

#12 - Virginia

Mikell Simpson
2008 : 87- 262 Yards - 3 TD - 3.0 AVG - 29.1 YDSPG

Cedric Peerman will be sorely missed this year. Mikell Simpson steps in as the lead man now. He finished second on team in rushing with 262 yards and 3 TD’s despite being sidelined with a shoulder injury. There isn’t a ton of depth in the RB position, so staying healthy is key.

Keith Payne
2008 : 5 - 36 Yards - 0 TD - 7.2 AVG - 6.0 YDSPG
Only had five carries in all of ‘08, but did make the best of them, averaging over seven yards a carry. While Simpson is the technical ‘leader’ for the running backs corps, if Payne steps up his game he could see significant playing time.